Preparation

Write the lyrics to Twinkle, Twinkle Star on a poster (either the first verse or full version).

For art activity: Cut out a star for each child. Make the star 3-5 inches tall out of the yellow card stock.

For math activity: For each child, draw two stars on a piece of paper. Cut out the second star into 5 triangles and a pentagon.

Find a book to read about the rhyme or stars.

1. Introduce Rhyme

Tell the class you will be learning about the nursery rhyme, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Ask if they are familiar with the rhyme and allow them to respond, sharing what they like about the song. Tell them they will also be learning about stars through some fun star activities.

2. Sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Read or sing the rhyme as a class using the poster you prepared.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky!

Repeat:

*Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!*

3. Story Time

Read a story to the class about Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Then discuss what you learned about stars. Here are some ideas for books that you can probably find at your public library.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Jane Taylor, Illus. by Julia Noonan.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: A Traditional Lullaby, by Jane Taylor

Twinkle, Twinkle You're My Star, by Sandra Magsamen

4. Discussion About Stars

Discuss the meaning of the words in Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Where can we see stars? (High in the sky)

What time of day can we see stars? (Night)

How can stars look like diamonds? (They both sparkle)

How many sides does a star have? (Show them a star and together count 10 sides)

How many points does a star have? (Count 5)

5. Star Math Activity

Star Shape Puzzle

Give each child a star worksheet with a set of shapes, and crayons. Have them color their stars. Encourage them to say the names of each shape as they rearrange them to fit within the star.

What shapes fit inside a star? (5 triangles and a pentagon)

Can you make other shapes?

6. Star Art Activities

Twinkle Little Stars Activity

Tell the class they are going to make their own twinkle stars. Give each child a yellow star, glue, and glitter to decorate their twinkle stars. Set them aside to dry while doing the next activity. Then help them tape their stars to a Popsicle stick or straw. Give the kids time to play with their stars as they "shine their twinkle stars in the sky" and sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Shining Stars Activity

Give each child a paper cup and allow them to poke holes in the bottom, as many as they like. Put the cup over a flashlight for the kids to see their own shining stars. If possible, darken the room so the stars are more visible.

More about Stars

Discuss with the class what they have learned in this preschool lesson on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Have them share what they learned about stars and the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star nursery rhyme. Review facts about stars (you may use some of the same questions as in section 4). Conclude the lesson by singing the rhyme once again.